> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manual.minimal.audio/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manual.minimal.audio/lucid-manual/modulation/curve-sequencer.md).

# Curve Sequencer

### **Overview**

The **Curve** modulator lets you create custom modulation shapes using a variety of draw tools and precise editing features. It’s versatile enough for both sequencing and LFO-style tasks. Use the shape tools to build rhythmic patterns, generate random shapes, and save sub-presets.

<figure><img src="/files/fDvJMXslPcxeWQMozaIM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 1. Curve Presets

The **Curve** modulator supports sub-presets you can save and load from the top-left bar of the panel. Plenty of presets are included, and you can easily save and reuse your favorite modulation shapes.

Click **Shuffle** on the left side of the preset bar to load a random preset.

### 2. Trigger Modes

Choose how the LFO responds to incoming MIDI notes:

* **Timeline.** Locks the Curve to your DAW's timeline, keeping playback synchronized with the project position and tempo.
* **Trigger.** Resets on incoming MIDI, then loops continuously.
* **One-Shot.** Resets on incoming MIDI and plays through once per note.
* **Scrub.** disables playback rate and lets you scan through the held Curve using the **Phase** control. This is useful for driving the Curve with another modulator or for remapping modulation behavior.

### 3. Curve Controls

**Rate.** Adjust the Curve modulator’s rate in Hz or BPM-synced values.

**Sync.** Enable or disable BPM synchronization for **Rate**.

**Phase.** Sets the phase offset of the LFO, determining where the modulation cycle begins. In **Timeline** mode, it offsets the phase relative to the DAW's timeline position.

**Snap.** Synchronizes note values to a predefined grid, ensuring notes align precisely with your timeline. This makes it easy to create sequences that remain rhythmically accurate and consistently in time.

**Level.** Attenuate or invert the modulator’s output. This affects every assignment that uses the Curve.

### 4. Curve Editor Settings

**Undo.** Undo the last change made in the **Curve** editor.

**Redo.** Redo the last undone change.

**Horizontal Grid Division.** Choose how the editor is rhythmically divided:

* **Standard.** Divisions by two.
* **Triplet.** Triplet-based divisions.
* **Odd.** Non-standard divisions that are neither standard nor triplet.

**Vertical Grid Division.** Set how the editor’s modulation level is divided. Useful for snapping the **Curve** to precise values.

**Clear Curve.** Click the **Eraser** icon to reset the current **Curve** shape.

**Snap to Grid.** Click the **Magnet** icon to enable or disable snapping to the grid when dragging.

**Randomize Curve.** Generate modulation shapes that fit into the current **Grid Division** settings.

{% hint style="info" %}
Right-click **Randomize** to select a specific type. Try changing grid sizes to influence the results.

* **Random Shape.** Picks from any of the types below.
* **Smooth.** Sine-like curves.
* **Linear.** Triangle-like ramps.
* **Chaos.** Complex, less grid-bound shapes.
* **Steps.** Step-sequencer patterns.
* **Segments.** Mixed steps and linear ramps.
* **Gates.** On/off sequences.
* **Ramp Down.** Downward stabs and sweeps.
* **Ramp Up.** Upward pumps and sweeps.
  {% endhint %}

### 5. Curve Editor

Use the **Curve Editor** to create custom modulation shapes.

With the **Mouse** tool selected, you can select one or more points and use these commands:

* **Move Off Grid.** Hold **Shift** while dragging a point.
* **Straighten Curve.** **Shift-click** a line or selection.
* **Move Segment.** **Command-drag** (macOS) or **Ctrl-drag** (Windows) on a line.
* **Delete Point.** **Double-click** a point.

### 6. Draw Tools

On the right side of the editor are the draw-tool buttons. The **Mouse** tool allows manual drawing and editing; other tools create shapes based on the current grid settings.

**Slope.** Adjust the curvature of the selected draw tool.

**Invert.** Invert the tool’s shape for additional variations.


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